The Dark Conquest: Sauron's Attack on Gondor and the Aftermath of Pelennor Fields

Sauron's assault on Gondor was not an isolated event but part of a broader strategy to conquer Middle-earth. This article explores the motivations behind Sauron's attack on Gondor and discusses the consequences if he had triumphed at the Battle of Pelennor Fields.

Sauron's Perception of Gondor

Sauron, the Lord of the Ring and master of darkness, perceived Gondor as his greatest adversary. Gondor, a powerful kingdom with a formidable army, stood in the way of Sauron's ultimate goal: the conquest of all of Middle-earth. At the time, Gondor was a bastion of hope for the free peoples of Middle-earth, guarding the southern borders and watching over the realms that lay beyond. Sauron believed that by attacking Gondor, he could weaken his enemies' will to resist and demonstrate his overwhelming power. Here is why Sauron's attack on Gondor was strategically crucial: Psychological Impact: A defeat in this crucial battle would have had a devastating impact on the morale of Gondor's allies, such as Rohan, and would have demonstrated Sauron's invincibility. Resource Depletion: Gondor's strength lay in its resources, both military and economic. By attacking Gondor, Sauron could deplete these resources, further weakening Gondor's ability to defend itself. Ambush Strategy: Gondor had deflected Sauron's attacks for many years, building up its defenses and reserves. By attacking at a time when Gondor was least expectant, Sauron could catch its forces off guard and gain a significant advantage.

The Battle of Pelennor Fields: A Turning Point

The Battle of Pelennor Fields was a pivotal moment in the War of the Ring. If Sauron had conquered it, the consequences would have been catastrophic. Here's why the battle was so important and what might have happened if Sauron had won:

The Battle of Pelennor Fields saw the combined forces of Gondor, Rohan, and the other Free Peoples of Middle-earth stand against Sauron's immense army. The chaos and confusion during the battle were not lost on Sauron, who capitalized on the disarray to launch a powerful assault. If he had won, the outcome of the War of the Ring would have been drastically different:

Loss of Rivendell and Lo-Iletion: With Gondor defeated, Sauron could have easily overrun Rivendell and Lo-Iletion, two regions that had been strongholds of the Elves and the hobbits. These regions, with their advanced knowledge and skilled warriors, would have been crucial to the Free Peoples' resistance. Global Conquest: If Sauron had won at the Battle of Pelennor Fields, he would have likely continued his conquest of the rest of Middle-earth without facing significant resistance. Sauron's dark influence would have spread far and wide, subjugating the remaining realms of Men and Elves. Dark Era: The victory for Sauron would have ushered in a dark era for Middle-earth, characterized by fear, oppression, and despair. The Free Peoples would have lived in constant fear, struggling to survive under the tyranny of Sauron. This era could have lasted for centuries, marking a dark period in Middle-earth's history.

The Likely Outcomes if Sauron Won

If Sauron had won at the Battle of Pelennor Fields, the consequences would have been dire for the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Here's a detailed analysis of the likely outcomes: Gondor's Fall: With Gondor defeated, Sauron's victory would have been a turning point in the war. Gondor's defeat would have weakened the Lastalliance's defenses, leaving Rohan, Gondor's closest ally, open to attack. Sauron could have easily overrun Rohan as well, intensifying the chaos and further destabilizing Middle-earth. Spread of Darkness: The defeat of Gondor and Rohan would have allowed Sauron's armies to advance unchecked, spreading darkness and despair throughout the lands. Sauron's victory would have ushered in a dark era, with the remaining regions of Mirkwood, Mordor, and other dark corners of Middle-earth becoming more oppressive. Resistance: While the Dark Lord's victory would have been crushing, a small group of survivors, including the Hobbits, Elves, and other free peoples, might have remained. This small resistance could have continued to fight, with eventual reinforcements from Shelob's lair, Ithilien, and the forests of Lothlórien.

Conclusion: The Preservation of Hope

The Battle of Pelennor Fields, while fraught with danger, ultimately prevented Sauron's dark conquest. The free peoples of Middle-earth, united in their resistance, managed to turn the tide of the battle. The victory at Pelennor Fields symbolized the resilience and hope of Free Peoples, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, a community can rise up and fight against overwhelming odds. In considering the aftermath of Sauron's potential victory, it becomes clear that the preservation of hope and unity is paramount. The strength and resilience of the Free Peoples were instrumental in defeating Sauron and preserving Middle-earth from total darkness. The story of the War of the Ring serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holding onto hope and courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.